Canada As You Like It Blog
The Top 5 Places to Visit in Nova Scotia in 2022
- by Canada As You Like It
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- 14 Mar, 2022
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Lunenburg
Nova Scotia is dotted with charming, colourful seaside towns – with Lunenburg being the most famed and visited. This town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s no wonder why with the rainbow array of homes laid out in front of the crystal clear waters, creating an unforgettable site like no other. Seventy percent of the original 18th and 19th century colonial buildings still line the waterfront today. Watch as the houses reflect in the rippling water, explore the cobbled streets filled with delightful restaurants, breweries and boutique shops. Explore the history of this fishing community and truly immerse yourself in the Lunenburg Waterfront – don’t forget to take plenty of photos.
The Endless Beaches of Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is blessed with a never-ending coastline. All along the coast are unique and outstanding beaches perfect for long days of relaxation or for a chance to explore the diverse geography that characterises Nova Scotia. Venture onto wide sand flats or into quaint coves - exploring the endless beaches of Nova Scotia really is unmissable. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to a classic white sandy beach too, Crystal Crescent Beach is a favourite of ours, and is easy to reach from Halifax. Or visit Carter’s Beach, with miles of perfect white sand surrounded by the luscious green forests of Port Mouton. Martinique is the longest beach in Nova Scotia, so you will be able to stretch out and feel like you are on a beach all on your own! Nova Scotia’s beaches have white sands, clear waters and incredible surfing conditions – so no matter where you visit you are guaranteed to have that perfect beach day.
Cabot Trail
Nova Scotia is no stranger to the great outdoors and if you are looking for some fresh air and adventure, look no further than The Cabot Trail. This trail loops itself through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, and is the very best place to see the scenery and autumn colours that cover Nova Scotia. Stay in the National Park and enjoy hiking trails, beautiful views and local food, truly immersing yourself in the culture and nature of Nova Scotia. Keep your eye out for wildlife, such as moose and bold eagles. The scenic look offs on Cabot Trail are like none other, with views of the crashing sea and undulating forests that cover the landscape of the peninsula. Our favourite spots in Cape Breton Highlands National Park are Ingonish Beach, which uniquely offers both freshwater and saltwater swimming and the Salmon Pools trail, which is a perfect riverside route to get some brilliant views as you walk.
Halifax
Don’t miss an opportunity to visit the metropolis that is Halifax. The capital city of Nova Scotia has an impressive waterfront, so it is no wonder it is the most visited destination in all of Nova Scotia. This seaside city is the ideal escape, with an excellent culinary scene and exciting nightlife of a city, but with the charm and stunning outdoor spaces of Nova Scotia. Journey along the modern boardwalk that follows the waters edge and stretches on for miles, lined with impressive architecture, locally inspired dining, tall ships docking in the harbour, abundant shopping, live music and perfect views of the open sea. There are plenty of events on the waterfront to check out too, including the Halifax International Busker Festival and the Atlantic Film Festivals Outdoor Film Experience. Both of these annual festivals are a great way to experience some Nova Scotian culture whilst enjoying the great outdoor spaces of Halifax.
Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark
For a truly unique experience, visit the Cliffs of Fundy, a UNESCO Global Geopark. Explore the culture and history of the park, which reflects the great geological shifts in Nova Scotia millions of years ago, with the creation and eventual separation of Pangea. Follow all along the Bay of Fundy shoreline to experience the attractions, experiences and geological wonders that the Cliffs of Fundy have on offer. Walk along the pebbled beaches and rolling cliffs to see unbelievable rock formations, hike some of the world most unique hiking trails and take in the nonstop views from the Bay of Fundy. Experience the Bay of Fundy tides, which are the world’s highest tides, and rise and fall impressively quickly. Then take to the waters yourself and kayak through the outstanding rock formations and crystal clear waters of this Geopark.
In the northwest of Canada where eighty percent of the area
is wilderness, lies the Yukon. With friendly locals, wildlife to observe,
activities to immerse yourself in and fascinating history to explore, this destination makes
for the perfect fly-drive holiday.
Lace up your boots and hit the back country. With trails at your doorstep for exploring, hiking is the best way of seeing the province on a fly drive holiday. There are areas suitable for all levels of hiking, from the congenial leisure walk to the avid hiker. Head to Saskatoon at the Meewasin Valley, this area offers over 105 km of trails across 67 square km of land. It provides year-round adventure and sightseeing opportunities in the heart of beautiful Saskatoon. Benefit from the well-maintained, multi-use pathways to cycle, jog or walk the scenic riverbank trails. Sections of the Meewasin Trail are also part of the Trans Canada Trail which extends almost 24,000 km across Canada from coast to coast. Keen for a challenge? Look at some of the best back country hiking at places like Prince Albert National Park, Lac La Ronge, Meadow Lake- and Narrow Hills Provincial Park in the north or Grasslands National Park and Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park in the south.
With three different water ways and an UNESCO heritage site, Ottawa is the place to explore. Take a trip down the Rideau Canal or explore the ByWard market. Walk along Parliament Hill and through acres of woodland and royal trees planted by dignitaries.
Imagine swimming thousands of miles to find that special someone. Whales complete this every single year, known as a whale migration, to find suitable habitat for feeding and reproducing. In British Columbia, these stunning orcas, also known as killer whales, are a prominent site and seeing them is a once in a lifetime experience. As well as orcas, expect to find humpback whales, grey whales and minke whales. These amazing creatures call BC their home from April to October. When the sun is out the whales come to play. From tail flukes to pectoral slaps, go for a whale watching trip and you can bask in their playful nature and enjoy the sunset with a relaxing drink, perfect for families and solo travellers. You can also go paddleboarding with orcas for a unique perspective from the water to see these magnificent creatures. You must, of course, always keep four hundred metres away from them for their safety and yours.
Welcome to the province of Saskatchewan, Canada – a place of breath-taking landscapes, wide-open spaces and hospitality that is second-to-none. This province is big – 651,900 km2, in fact, and has nearly 100,000 lakes and waterways. Natural beauty is not the only thing this province is known for though. Join us on a culinary journey of Saskatchewan, where food and drink abound, and you will find something good to eat around every corner!
Welcome to the fourth largest province in Canada. With five National Parks and six UNESCO Heritage sites, Alberta is a wonderful and varied place to visit. This blog will explore this great province and expose you to the unique qualities that make this area a location sure to be your next travel destination. A playground for outdoor adventure, popular summer activities include hiking, biking, horse riding, rafting, and fishing. As the seasons change and snow begins to fall, head to Alberta for world-class winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, dogsledding, snowshoeing, heli-skiing, ice climbing and more. From wildlife in the Rockies to Waterton Lakes National Park, and art and culture to explore, Alberta is a wonderland packed with options for every traveller.
Atlantic Canada is famous for its fresh and abundant seafood, from succulent lobster, to scallops, mussels, oysters and cod – but it offers so much more. Dine at a seaside restaurant, take a stroll through a local farmers' market, or take in one of the many culinary festivals. It’s truly a foodie’s paradise.
Here's a round up of a few amazing foodie events and experiences that we thought you might want to try:
Head to Northern Manitoba for a wild and exciting trip. Waterways provide refuge to an abundance of wildlife and the land holds the stories of Indigenous peoples.